Pollstar (10/06/21) Speer, Deborah

The Los Angeles City Council approved a new ordinance that requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for admission to indoor concerts and many other enclosed venues, with a maximum fine of $5,000 charged to violators. Once in effect, businesses must comply with the mandate starting Nov. 4, while the Los Angeles Times reported that the ordinance will expire when the city lifts its emergency declaration for the pandemic. Customers are allowed under the new rules to submit written religious or medical exemptions, but they must use outdoor facilities or show proof of a recent negative test if no such facilities are available. Most major concert events in Los Angeles — especially those operated by Live Nation and AEG Presents — already require proof of vaccination, although the new ordinance appears to reject a negative test except in the case of vaccine exemptions. Yet there could be an impact on smaller venues like clubs, and objections were raised on behalf of venues "unable to post a bouncer at every door" to check cards. Protests that the rules are overbearing apparently had no impact on the council's decision. "Nothing in this ordinance requires you to go and get vaccinated at all," Councilman Paul Krekorian reportedly said. "You will not be allowed to go to put other people at risk."

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